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Princess Charlotte, eight, is often the star of the show when she appears at royal events like Trooping the Colour and the Coronation – especially during balcony appearances.
Her great-aunt, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, is married to Prince William’s paternal uncle, Prince Edward. Therefore, the two are not that closely related.
However, the duo act much closer when they are together at royal events. For instance, they were spotted chatting at both the Coronation and Trooping the Colour as if they were a direct aunt and niece.
Judi James, a body language expert, spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk to explain what gives away their strong relationship.
She said: “Charlotte does seem to gravitate naturally towards her ‘aunt’ Sophie at public events and in many ways, Sophie is the nearest thing to a royal granny that she has.
“The affection between them looks mutual but it appears to be based on something more than playfulness or indulgence.
“Charlotte looks keen to impress Sophie, acting very grown-up when she is by her side and happy to ask questions, chat or have things pointed out.
“The eight-year-old might already have the perfect royal role model in her mother Kate but she seems to see Sophie in a similar light.
“Sophie has been such a great royal mentor to her own daughter and it looks as though her calm, low-drama approach to royal life is getting the admiration of Charlotte, too.”
The body language expert claimed to spot the moment where Charlotte and Sophie’s “natural closeness” could be seen.
Judi opined: “The pose of the pair in the palace window is probably the most telling in terms of their natural closeness.
“Charlotte seems to have singled Sophie out to sit next to and share the event and view.
“Her proximity to Sophie suggests strong bonds and her rather grown-up body language with her aunt hints at this desire to impress her.
“Sophie might be turning to talk to some of the other young guests but Charlotte sits gazing ahead as though happily paired off with someone she likes and admires.”
Charlotte and Sophie are neighbours in Windsor, as the eight-year-old Princess lives in Adelaide Cottage on the royal estate, very near the Duchess’s home Bagshot Park.
Therefore, it is likely that Kate brings the children around to see the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who have two children of their own, Lady Louise Windsor, 19, and James, Earl of Wessex, 15.
The Walses’ and the Edinburghs’ were photographed sitting together at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, showing the closeness between their two families.
